Discover the rich heritage and time-tested plum pudding recipe for the most beloved British Christmas dessert – perfect for creating cherished holiday memories with your family.
The Magic of Traditional Figgy Pudding: A British Holiday Treasure
Dear fellow baking enthusiasts, if you're anything like me, you treasure those holiday recipes that carry generations of memories. Today, I'm thrilled to share one of Britain's most cherished Christmas traditions that has found its way into many American homes – the gloriously rich and dramatic Christmas pudding, also known as figgy pudding.
Why Make Christmas Pudding? A Heritage Worth Preserving
Remember those wonderful Christmas stories we grew up with? Charles Dickens painted an unforgettable picture of figgy pudding in "A Christmas Carol." Who can forget how Scrooge, upon his redemption, exclaimed "A Merry Christmas to every one! A Happy New Year to all the world. Hallo there! Whoop! How are you?" as he joined the Cratchit family for their Christmas dinner, complete with a steaming bowl of plum pudding. Just like Scrooge's transformation from a Christmas-hating miser to a man who embodied the spirit of the season, this beloved holiday dessert has the power to warm hearts and create lasting memories.
A Brief History: From Medieval Times to Modern Christmas Tables
Would you believe that our Christmas pudding's story begins in medieval England? Originally known as "plum pudding" (though it contained no actual plums!), this Christmas dessert became synonymous with Christmas celebrations around 1845, thanks to cookbook author Eliza Acton. The term "plum" simply meant dried fruits – those lovely raisins, currants, and sultanas that give our Christmas pudding its rich, complex flavor.
The Perfect Time to Make Your Figgy Pudding
Here's a delightful secret that experienced bakers know well: figgy pudding actually tastes better when made weeks in advance. Just like a fine wine, the flavors deepen and mature over time. This makes it a perfect project for those cozy autumn afternoons when you're starting to feel the first whispers of holiday spirit.
Choosing the Right Dutch Oven for Your Christmas Pudding
My dear baking friends, let me share a little secret that makes all the difference in creating the perfect Christmas pudding: your choice of cooking vessel. A cast iron Dutch oven is truly ideal for steaming figgy pudding – it's not just tradition, it's practical wisdom! These sturdy pots provide even heat distribution and superior temperature control, ensuring your precious Christmas pudding cooks perfectly every time.
For those hosting larger gatherings (perhaps the whole family is coming!), a RJ Legend 1.9 quart cast iron Dutch oven is your best friend. It creates one magnificent party-sized pudding that serves 10-12 lucky guests. But if you're planning an intimate gathering or thinking of giving these as heartfelt holiday gifts, 5.5-inch cast iron pot mini from RJ Legend will create perfectly-sized individual figgy puddings.
Grandmother's Traditional Plum Pudding Recipe
This decadent, boozy steamed pudding is pure holiday magic in every bite. Let's gather our ingredients and tools to create this cherished holiday dessert.
Essential Ingredients
- 18 oz mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 6 oz beef suet, finely chopped (or vegetable suet, shortening, or butter)
- 6 oz fresh white breadcrumbs
- 6 oz plain flour
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 9 oz dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 6 fl oz brandy or stout
The Baker's Essential Tools:
To create your figgy pudding, you'll want to gather a few trusty kitchen companions. Start with a large mixing bowl – one that's generous enough to combine all our lovely ingredients with ease. You'll need a sturdy wooden spoon (the kind your grandmother would approve of!) for mixing everything together. For cooking, choose either one RJ Legend 1.9 quart cast iron Dutch oven for a party-size pudding or six 5.5-inch mini pot Dutch ovens for individual servings. Don't forget some cling film or foil to wrap your Christmas pudding snugly, and a steaming pot or slow cooker with a 6-quart capacity for the perfect steam bath.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Love from My Kitchen to Yours)
Prep the Fruit (The Night Before): My dears, this step is crucial for that perfect texture we all love. Combine those plump dried fruits with the brandy or stout, and let them have a lovely overnight soak. You'll be amazed at how they transform!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In your largest mixing bowl (yes, the one you save for special occasions), gently combine the breadcrumbs, flour, and those warming spices – cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the sugar and give it all a good stir with large wooden spoon. Take a moment to inhale those wonderful holiday aromas!
Combine Wet and Dry: Now comes the fun part! Add your beautifully soaked fruit and suet to your dry ingredients. Mix with love – every stir brings you closer to figgy pudding perfection.
Add the Eggs: Gradually beat in those eggs, just like your mother taught you. The mixture should feel rich and full of promise.
Pack the Christmas Pudding: Grease your chosen Dutch oven(s) well – this is no time to be shy with the butter! Pack your mixture in firmly, smooth the top with the back of your spoon, and pat it gently for good luck.
Steam with Patience: Cover your figgy pudding with the lid or foil, and let it steam for 4-8 hours. Remember what I always say: "The longer the steam, the richer the dream!"
Storage and Reheating: Once cooled, wrap your precious Christmas pudding like a gift in foil. Store it in your coolest, darkest cupboard – checking on it occasionally is perfectly fine (we all do it!). When Christmas Day approaches, steam it again for 1-2 hours to warm it through.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Pudding Success
My dear baking friends, after years of making Christmas puddings, I've learned that patience truly is the secret ingredient. Give your Christmas pudding plenty of steaming time – this is how those wonderful flavors develop and meld together into something magical. Never skip the overnight fruit soaking; it's this step that ensures your figgy pudding has that beautiful, moist texture we all love. Use your 1.9 quart Dutch oven with confidence – I promise you, it's the perfect vessel for achieving that even, gentle cook. And when it comes to storing your precious creation, wrap it snugly in foil and tuck it away in a cool, dark place, just as our grandmothers taught us. These time-tested methods ensure your pudding will be perfect when the big day arrives.
Serving Your Christmas Pudding with Flair
The most magical moment of Christmas Day comes at the end of your feast – the grand finale that everyone waits for! As tradition dictates, dim the lights low (watch the faces of your guests light up with anticipation), warm your brandy just so, and with steady hands, pour it over your Christmas pudding. Then comes the moment of pure theater – ignite the brandy and watch as blue flames dance around your pudding, casting a magical glow across your dining room. It's a spectacular sight that never fails to draw gasps of delight from around the table!
Making New Traditions with Old Recipes
While Christmas pudding may have British roots, it's found a special place in American holiday celebrations. It's more than just a Christmas dessert – it's about creating those precious moments with family, sharing stories around the table, and passing down traditions that will be cherished for generations to come.
Remember, dear friends, the joy of Christmas baking isn't just in the eating – it's in the loving preparation, the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen, and the delight on your loved ones' faces when you present this spectacular dessert. As we carry forward these cherished traditions, we're not just making pudding – we're making memories that will warm hearts for years to come. Why not start your own Christmas pudding tradition this year?
CLICK TO PURCHASE (1.9 Quart Dutch Oven):
CLICK TO PURCHASE (8.5oz mini Dutch Oven):
